Top Ten Music Artists People Like Because They Think It Makes Them Cool

People are very divisive when it comes to music artists and their songs. Not everyone enjoys the same music genres as their friends, family, or mainstream radio. What is musical poetry to one, is another person's bag of fighting cats.

There does seem to be one musical constant out there however; that many people choose their musical preferences, at least publicly, based on what they believe it says about themselves. Whether they are a contrarian who only likes what other people hate, or a hipster who exclusively follows bands without radio air time, the actual sound of a band isn't always the thing people latch on to.

There are iconic bands that have been popular since they first puts lips to microphone and fingers to strings, and there are those who only reached fame long after they disbanded. Regardless of the media or the quality, there are fans who obsess over a band (or genre for that matter) simply to agree, or disagree, with their friends.

Below are the music artists that many people seem to like, not because the music merits it, but simply because they think it makes them look cool. Some of the artists are critically acclaimed, others aren't, but to musical bandwagoners, it doesn't really matter. This list is not a statement about whether a band is good or not, just about whether their fans care.
The Top Ten
1 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (Vocal), Jimmy Page (Guitar), John Paul Jones (Bass, Keyboard) and John Bonham (Drums) and was very much the child of Jimmy Page who even financed their first tour. He had tasted some previous success with The [original] Yardbirds and was friendly with some big names in rock. Page states it was Keith Moon of The Who that claimed the band could only go down, like a lead balloon -- thus prompting the iconic name of Led Zeppelin. The band's heavy, guitar-driven sound, rooted in blues and psychedelia on their early albums, has earned them recognition as one of the progenitors ...read more.

Depends on the crowd. Being an enthusiastic fan of any of the listed music artists will open you up to ridicule from music snobs--the kind who like Krautrock, modern classical, and drone. I speak from experience.

(I like Krautrock and modern classical, by the way.)

I like them due of their music and not because I think they make me look cool. Where I live it makes you actually be the complete opposite.

If you are a Led zeppelin fan listen to Ningen isu's songs Imomushi and Shinen but also don't ignore the classic Budgie.

One wonders how these judgements were determined. Surveys? Guesses? How does one judge the attractions motivating others?

Led Zeppelin is the MOST overrated band in the whole rock history. End of story.

2 The Beatles The Beatles were an English pop rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The members consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They were soon known as the foremost and most influential act of rock era. Rooted in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later experimented with several genres, ranging from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock, often incorporating classical elements in innovative ways. ...read more.

Actually I like The Beatles because it's a part of the music history and for songs like Let It Be and Yesterday

The Beatles are good, but I wish people would stop treating them like gods.

Wrong generation kids trying to impress people.

I genuinely like them...

3 AC/DC AC/DC are a Australian hard rock band, formed in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, who continued as members until Malcolm's illness and departure in 2014 . They were fronted by Bon Scott until his untimely death due to alcohol poisoning in 1979, after which they hired Brian Johnson to front the band. Commonly referred to as a hard rock or blues rock band.

It kind of depends on what crowd for some AC/DC is actually a kind of guilty pleasure eg people who listen to progressive metal or something (that is not me by the way). Personally I don't really like AC/DC I have nothing against them they are just not really my thing.

I am not a sheep. I love AC/DC because, well, they're actually pretty good.

They have good songs, but most of their catalog sounds the same.

Nah, AC/DC is fine. Probably the only hard rock band I like.

4 Nirvana Nirvana was an American grunge band that was formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. Nirvana disbanded after Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994. The drummer of the band, David Grohl, went on to start the Foo-Fighters, an alternative rock band.

The band was comprised of Kurt Cobain (Vocals, Guitar), Dave Grohl (Drums) and Krist Novoselic (Bass). ...read more.

If you're really a Nirvana fan, tell me about the numerous Nirvana songs which are better than Smells Like Teen Spirit.

See tons of Nirvana shirts. I bet half of those people probably think Kurt Cobain is still alive.

It really doesn't make you cool if you like "Rape Me"

Never was a fan. They are just an average band.

5 Eminem Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor and music producer born on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 300 million records making him the bestselling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12 and (with Royce da 5'9") half of the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil. Rolling Stone ranked him 83rd on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, calling him the King of Hip Hop. Including his work with D12 and Bad Meets Evil, Eminem has had ten number-one albums on the Billboard 200 and 5 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and 13 worldwide.

People really do support him with very little reason, particularly given a very flawed justification of himself as the artist which he claims to be. In my eyes, there are few people who are more superficial in this world. There's nothing I can stand about him.

People like him for (mostly) all of the right reasons.

6 Queen Queen are an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar, vocals). Before forming into Queen, Brian May and Roger Taylor had played together in a band ...read more.

Once I asked my classmate, "why do you think Bohemian Rhapsody is the best song ever? " He said, "It's a very unique song, cause it has no chorus". All right, from critics BR may be the best song ever. But when it spread that it's the best song, people started to think, "hey, if I like this song, that mean's my music taste is very good" I honestly think that there are hundreds of better songs than Bohemian Rhapsody.

And about Freddie Mercury, some say he is the best singer ever. But can't give one reason to choose him the best singer ever. Probably they heard it.

Once I asked my classmates if they had even heard of queen. Only one girl said yes. We were very offended when nobody knew who they were.

I personally don't like the band. I'm not really a fan of Freddie Mercury's voice either.

But they're great one of the best groups ever so why don't like them?

7 Rush Rush was a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. The band has had an iconic lineup since 1975, which included Neil Peart (Drums, Percussion), Geddy Lee (Vocals, Bass, Keyboards), and the guitarist, Alex Lifeson. Peart passed away after a 3 year battle with brain cancer in January of ...read more.
8 Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. The band consisted of 5 members - David Gilmour (Vocals and Guitar), Syd Barrett (Vocals and Guitar), Nick Mason (Drums), Roger Waters (Vocals and Bass), and Richard Wright (Vocals and Keyboard). Barrett was replaced by Gilmour in 1968. ...read more.

I for one am a true Pink Floyd fan. I love them because I think they're creative. But I don't love them just to look cool and I don't think they're the greatest band of all time. Also, I can understand why most people dislike them and I don't force them to like Pink Floyd or some other things I like. I simply let people enjoy what they enjoy. People are free to like or dislike whatever types of art they want. Because you have to know that there's always gonna be someone who's not gonna like what you like. And that's okay.

No, I am not a sheep. I can say loudly and proudly that I do not like this band. Never have and never will.

I'm sure they'll be terribly disappointed; their lives wasted

I like Pink Floyd because I love their music.

9 Dio Dio was an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, after he left Black Sabbath with intentions to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member, drummer Vinny Appice.

Well... Dio is basically about Dungeons and Dragons and mythical things. Not exactly cool in my neck of the woods. But I do like them. RIP Ronnie.

10 Skrillex Sonny John Moore (born January 15, 1988), known professionally as Skrillex, is an American EDM producer who is known for popularizing dubstep. He is part of the bands Jack Ü (DJ) and From First To Last (Lead Singer). His album Recess debuted at 4 on the BB200, tying him with Zedd for the highest debut for an EDM album on that chart. He is best known for Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, Bangarang, Kill Everybody, Mind, and Where Are Ü Now, and is well known for his "mop like hair". He has created multiple albums and songs besides the ones he is best known for, he has also been in contract with multiple record labels including Atlantic Records, Mau5Trap, Asylum Records, and more.
The Contenders
11 Metallica Metallica is an American Heavy/Thrash Metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup was James Hetfield (Vocalist and Rhythm guitarist), Dave Mustaine (Lead Guitar), Lars Ulrich (Drums), Ron McGovney (Bassist). The group came into mainstream from their Self-Titled album and the hit single "Enter Sandman".

With their first two albums, Kill 'Em All and Ride The Lightning reaching underground success, their third effort, Master of Puppets has since become one of the most important heavy metal albums ever, as it became the first thrash metal album to be certified platinum. The title track has since become the band's most played song live. ...read more.

I think they should be on top 10. Just think, isn't there any metal band that are better than Metallica? For me yes. Not one, tons of them. Then why do many (not everyone) people try to act like that they are the best band ever. And in the end it turns that they heard only one song "Master of Puppet". And for this song they're the best band ever! If you're really a big fan of an artist then you should listen at least 15-20 songs of them. But a lot consider them as best band from hearing 2-3 songs. It's probably because everybody says they're the best metal band.

How its not on top 5?

12 Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian-American pop singer. Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, she first entered the music industry by recording demo tapes under the direction of record producer Evan Rogers in 2003. She ultimately signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning ...read more.
13 Lil Wayne Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana. He was discovered by Brian "Baby" "Birdman" Williams at a very young age, and was signed to Cash Money Records, where he would be one quarter of the rap group Hot Boys. In the years to follow, he would go on to find his own ...read more.
14 Kiss Kiss, often styled as KISS, was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals).

Known for their face paint and stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid-1970s. Their shock rock-style live performances featured... read more

Kiss is a good band, but they are a bit overrated.

15 Megadeth Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. Megadeth was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine was fired from Metallica. They have released 15 studio albums to date, and have gone through many lineup changes, with Dave Mustaine being the sole constant member.

They released their debut album “Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good!” in 1985, but became successful after the release of “Peace Sells...But Who’s Buying?” in 1986. ...read more.

Exactly here..anyway, there's nothing cool about them to like in the first place. The band itself has been a parody for simply showing off their skills, and hasn't released a single musically good album, but just bunch of guys going into the studio being high on cocaine and playing whatever the non-sense that struck their hallucinated mind.

I like them. I never thought it was cool to like them though.

16 My Chemical Romance My Chemical Romance is an American rock band from Jersey City, New Jersey, active from 2001 to 2013, and again from 2019 to present day. For much of their career, the band consisted of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, bassist Mikey Way, and drummer Bob Bryar.

They are a good band, but their fandom consists of annoying edgy scene kids.

No one likes them to become cool.

17 Nicki Minaj Onika Tanya Maraj, known professionally as Nicki Minaj (born December 8, 1982) is a Trinidadian/American rapper / pop music artist. Minaj is most known for her songs such as "Anaconda", "Super Bass", "Starships" and her feature on "Bang Bang". Despite her controversial songs, Brent Staples from "The New York Times" claimed her to be 'the most influential female rapper of all time', presumably distinctive for her fast flow and her use of alter egos with Cockney accent. She has endorsed Adidas, MAC Cosmetics and Pepsi. Minaj has received ten Grammy-nominations throughout her career, and has won multiple awards including the Billboard's Women in Music 2011 Rising Star award.

She's popular because she's ugly

18 Rae Sremmurd Rae Sremmurd is an American hip hop duo, composed of two brothers, Khalif "Swae Lee" Brown (born June 7, 1995) and Aaquil "Slim Jxmmi" Brown (born December 29, 1993). They are best known for their platinum singles "No Flex Zone" and "No Type". They are signed to Mike WiLL Made-It's label, "EarDrummer Records", which is where their band name is derived from.

Trust me as a kid at a school whose majority of students only like "gangsta rap" people think rae sremmurd makes them cool

19 Halsey Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, known by her stage name Halsey, is an American singer and songwriter. She was born on September 29, 1994 in New Jersey. She started her career by releasing songs on SoundCloud, and now she is a well-known pop singer with hits like Bad at Love, and Now or Never. She had originated from Tumblr, and believes Hotel Shampoo is racist.

Halsey is amazing! I love Halsey and I don't care what people think of me as long as they know I love Halsey SO MUCH and her songs are amazing. 19/10. Best singer ever!

BADLANDS was pretty good. The new song she had released sucks. This is going to attract not only stupid emos, but annoying Ariana Grande-type fans.

20 Melanie Martinez Melanie Adele Martinez is an American singer and songwriter. Melanie Martinez auditioned for the American television vocal talent show The Voice and became a member of Team Adam.

Required fandom for the over-dramatic.

21 Hollywood Undead Hollywood Undead is an American rap rock band from Los Angeles, California, United States. They released their debut album, Swan Songs, on September 2, 2008, and their live CD/DVD Desperate Measures, on November 10, 2009. Their second studio album, American Tragedy, was released April 5, 2011. All of the band members use pseudonyms and wear their own unique mask, most of which are based on the common hockey goaltender design.

Then why do u exist JEFF? Normally people who are NOT BRAINLESS LIKE U ARE DON'T THINK THEY MAKE AWFUL MUSIC! I LOVE them because It's their one songs; Lion, Sing, Circles, Believe, Nobody's Watching, Young, Prey, Hear Me Now, Scava, and Gravity. LOOK THEM UP AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!

22 Green Day Green Day are an American pop punk/punk rock band formed in East Bay, California in 1987. The members include Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals and guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), Tré Cool (drums) and Jason White (guitar). Green Day are associated with punk rock, pop punk and alternative rock. Some of their influences include The Ramones, Sex Pistols, NOFX, and Bad Religion. They are best known for their songs like ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, ‘Basket Case’ and their ‘American Idiot’ & ‘Dookie’ albums. American Idiot sold 6 million copies in the U.S. and won a Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album". Green Day have sold over 75 million records worldwide and have won 5 Grammy Awards. They ...read more.

I mean before yeah...

now, I actually respect their music and genuinely enjoy it

23 Drake Aubrey Drake Graham, known professionally as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor, born on October 24, 1986 in Toronto, Canada. He started his career on Canadian reality show "Degrassi: The Next Generation".
24 Three Days Grace Three Days Grace is a Canadian post-grunge/alternative rock band formed in Norwood, Ontario in 1992 with a line-up consisting of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer and backing vocalist Neil Sanderson, and bassist Brad Walst. Their original name was Groundswell until they changed it to ...read more.
25 Panic! at the Disco Panic! at the Disco was an American pop rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2004 and featuring the current lineup of vocalist Brendon Urie, accompanied on tour by bassist Dallon Weekes, guitarist Kenneth Harris, and drummer Dan Pawlovich.
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